Two Children Critically Injured in Police Crash After Illegal U-Turn

A Honda Civic crashed into a Howard County police cruiser that had made an illegal U-turn into the path of the Honda on Route 100 in Glen Burnie, critically injuring two children, police said.

The incident occurred at 4:17 p.m. Saturday on Route 100 where it merges with Route 10, according to a statement late Saturday by Anne Arundel County police.

The police vehicle, driven by four-year veteran Symchay Kon Bendu, was traveling on Route 100 East, police said. The officer was not familiar with the area and was attempting to return to Howard County when he approached the area where Route 100 merges with Route 10 South and attempted to make a U-turn onto Route 100 West, police said.

"The officer slowed down at the end of the grass median and made an illegal U-turn directly into the path of the Honda, which was traveling in the fast lane of Route 10 South," the statement said.

The Honda struck the police car, and an 11-year-old girl and 4-year-old girl, both from Baltimore, were severely injured and transported to Johns Hopkins Pediatric Trauma Center. They were said to be in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.

A man and woman from Brooklyn Park, MD, suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

"Initial information indicates that driver error was a contributing factor in this crash," the police statement said.

Howard County Police Chief William McMahon said his department is collaborating in the investigation with Anne Arundel police and will do an independent investigation as well.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the two children who were seriously injured in a collision today involving a Howard County police officer in Anne Arundel County," he said in a statement. "As a parent, my heart goes out to their parents and family. I am thinking of the children and their family as they go through this devastating ordeal and praying for their recovery."

Bendu was honored by Howard County police in 2010 with a first-year service award.  

“Ofc. Bendu has, since day one, shown an incredible work ethic, initiative and a strong desire to learn,” Sgt. Ann Gibbons wrote at the time.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or with additional information may contact the Anne Arundel County Police Department at 410-222-8610 or the Traffic Safety Section at 410-222-8573.